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Model Risk Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary The Manager, Model Risk is a senior individual contributor responsible for independently leading model validation activities and providing effective challenge across the model ...

The Enterprise Model Risk (EMR) team within the Enterprise Risk Division is responsible for oversight and effective challenge of the company's model risk. Together, we: * Establish governance ...

The Enterprise Model Risk (EMR) team within the Enterprise Risk Division is responsible for oversight and effective challenge of the company's model risk. Together, we: * Establish governance ...

The Enterprise Model Risk (EMR) team within the Enterprise Risk Division is responsible for oversight and effective challenge of the company's model risk. Together, we: * Establish governance ...

Actuary, Model Risk

Richmond, VA · On-site +1

$115K - $135K/yr

POSITION TITLE Actuary, Model Risk LOCATION Richmond, VA Remote US (Eastern or Central Time Zones) This position is available to Virginia residents as Richmond, Virginia in-office applicants *A ...

POSITION TITLE Actuary, Model Risk LOCATION Richmond, VA Remote US (Eastern or Central Time Zones) This position is available to Virginia residents as Richmond, Virginia in-office applicants *A ...

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Model Risk information

What is model risk?

Model risk refers to the potential for adverse consequences resulting from decisions based on incorrect or misused models. In financial institutions, model risk can arise if a model's assumptions are flawed, if the data input is poor, or if the model is applied inappropriately. Managing model risk involves validating models, monitoring their performance, and ensuring that they are used within their intended scope. Effective model risk management helps organizations avoid significant financial losses and comply with regulatory requirements.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in model risk, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Model Risk often encounter challenges such as ensuring model accuracy, managing regulatory compliance, and effectively communicating complex technical findings to non-technical stakeholders. Addressing these challenges requires a strong understanding of both quantitative modeling and relevant regulations, as well as strong collaboration skills to work with model developers, auditors, and business units. Staying informed about evolving regulatory standards and participating in ongoing training can also help model risk professionals remain effective and add value to their organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a model risk analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Model Risk Analyst, you need a solid background in quantitative analysis, statistics, or finance, often supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with model validation tools, programming languages such as Python or R, and regulatory frameworks like SR 11-7 is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are crucial for evaluating models and presenting findings to stakeholders. These skills ensure model integrity, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation in financial institutions.

What is the difference between Model Risk vs Model Validation?

AspectModel RiskModel Validation
Primary FocusIdentifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with modelsEvaluating and testing models to ensure accuracy and reliability
Required CredentialsQuantitative skills, risk management certifications, industry experienceQuantitative expertise, validation certifications, industry knowledge
Work EnvironmentRisk management teams within financial institutions or firmsModel validation teams, often within risk or model development departments
Industry UsageUsed across banking, insurance, and investment firms to manage model-related risksCommonly employed in financial services to verify model performance

Model Risk focuses on managing the potential negative impacts of models, including errors and misuse, while Model Validation concentrates on testing and confirming the accuracy and robustness of models. Both roles are essential in financial industries to ensure models are reliable and risks are minimized.

What does a model risk do?

A model risk professional assesses and manages the risks associated with using mathematical and statistical models in financial and operational decision-making. They review model accuracy, validate assumptions, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards, often using tools like SAS or R. Their work helps prevent financial loss due to model errors or misestimations.

What does a model risk specialist do?

A model risk specialist evaluates and manages risks associated with financial or operational models used by organizations. They review model assumptions, validate model performance, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards, often using statistical and analytical tools. Their work helps prevent model errors that could lead to financial loss or regulatory issues.

What are the most commonly searched types of Model Risk jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Model Risk jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Model Risk job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Manager, Model Risk

Sterling, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

When you join Sallie Mae, you become a champion for all students.

We're on a mission to power confidence as students begin their unique journey. To help them plan their higher education, successfully finish, and prepare for life after school. To help them Start smart. Learn big.

Students need guidance navigating this important time in their life. They need someone who acknowledges that their education path is unique. They need a partner willing to evolve and not only meet but surpass their expectations. We're changing. Because students need a better way.

We're looking for people who are excited to drive this transformation. To break barriers and think of new ways to adapt, help, and create better experiences for students-and for each other.

This is where diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives matter. It's where you're empowered to bring your authentic self to work.

Feeling your best allows you to do your best. Our benefits take care of the whole you-from physical and mental to financial and professional. You'll get opportunities to further your education and career, support for you and your family (including your pets!), paid time off to volunteer for the things that matter to you, and more.

We're obsessed with impact and making a real difference. For us, that means putting relationships first, asking "why not?" when tackling challenges, and continuously learning new skills.

Come do more than join something, change something. For students, for future generations, for the future of education.

Position Summary

The Manager, Model Risk is a senior individual contributor responsible for independently leading model validation activities and providing effective challenge across the model lifecycle. The role operates within the second line of defense and provides independent effective challenge evaluating the conceptual soundness, data, methodology, implementation, performance, limitations, and governance of models used across the enterprise and supports compliance with the organization's Model Risk Management framework and applicable regulatory expectations.

Key Responsibilities

  • Independently plan and execute risk-based validations of new and existing models, including assessments of conceptual soundness, data quality, methodology, assumptions, implementation, performance, limitations, and documentation.
  • Lead validation engagements from scoping through final reporting, including the development of testing approaches, documentation of findings, and communication of conclusions.
  • Provide independent effective challenge to model developers, owners, and users and assess whether identified model risks are appropriately understood, documented, and mitigated.
  • Evaluate model performance monitoring, change management, ongoing review, and governance practices for alignment with the Model Risk Management framework and applicable regulatory expectations.
  • Perform quantitative analysis and testing using relevant statistical techniques and programming tools such as Python or R.
  • Prepare clear, well-supported validation reports and present conclusions, limitations, and findings to business partners, senior management, governance committees, and regulators, as appropriate.
  • Partner with model development, risk, finance, technology, and business teams while maintaining independent second-line oversight.
  • Contribute to enhancements of model validation practices, procedures, templates, and risk assessment methodologies.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, economics, finance, data science, engineering, or a related quantitative field.
  • 5+ years of direct experience performing model validation, independent model review, or closely related model risk oversight within financial services.
  • Demonstrated experience evaluating model conceptual soundness, data, assumptions, methodology, implementation, performance, limitations, and ongoing monitoring.
  • Proficiency in Python, R, SAS, SQL, or comparable analytical tools used to independently test and assess models.
  • Strong knowledge of quantitative analysis, statistical techniques, model governance, and model risk management principles.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document defensible conclusions, communicate technical issues clearly, and influence stakeholders through effective challenge.

Preferred Skills

  • Experience validating credit risk, allowance, forecasting, stress testing, decisioning, or other financial risk models.
  • Working knowledge of applicable model risk management guidance and industry practices, including SR 11-7 or comparable regulatory expectations.
  • Experience validating and governing risk, financial, or forecasting models within the financial services industry, including familiarity with CECL framework models and related regulatory, accounting, and model risk management expectations.

Value Proposition

Join a high-impact second line of defense function that plays a critical role in shaping the organization's risk posture and decision-making. As Manager, Model Risk, you will operate at the intersection of quantitative analytics, governance, and regulatory engagement, providing independent oversight that directly influences strategic outcomes across credit, finance, and enterprise risk.

  • Own complex validation engagements from initial scoping through final reporting and issue follow-up.
  • Apply independent judgment and effective challenge to models that support important credit, finance, and enterprise risk decisions.
  • Influence enhancements to model risk practices and governance without direct people-management responsibility.
  • Expand technical, regulatory, and executive communication capabilities across a diverse model portfolio.

This role is suited for an experienced model validation professional seeking meaningful individual-contributor responsibility, broad model exposure, and the opportunity to influence model risk practices across the enterprise.


The Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination by employers, in compensation and employment opportunities, against qualified individuals with disabilities who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the "essential functions" of a job. A function may be essential for any of several reasons, including: the job exists to perform that function, the employee holding the job was hired for his/her expertise in performing the function, or only a limited number of employees are available to perform that function.

Feeling your best helps you do your best:Our benefits take care of the whole you-so you can build your work around your life (not the other way around!).
  • Competitive base salaries

  • Bonus incentives

  • Generous PTO, Floating Holidays and 12 Federal Holidays observed

  • Support for financial-well-being and retirement401k with employer match

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance and more

  • Employer paid short-term/long-term disability and basic life insurance

  • Flexible hybrid working arrangements.

  • Paid parental leave and adoption reimbursement programs

  • Free access to on-site staffed fitness centers (in Delaware) and gym subsidy (for locations outside Delaware)

  • Confidential counseling support (EAP), Health Advocacy services and Wellness program with financial incentives

  • Tuition Reimbursement and Family Scholarship Programs

  • Career development and training opportunities

Not the right fit? Let us know you're interested in a future opportunity by clickingIntroduce Yourselfin the top-right corner of the page or create an account to set up email alerts as new job postings become available that meet your interest!

Sallie Mae is proud to be an equal opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, gender identity, disability, Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Click hereto view the U.S. Pay Transparency Policy, here for federal job applicant notices, and here to view the California Employee Privacy Notice.
Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation please call (855) 756-2007 and choose option 9. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.